The South Australian government is offering a new round of scholarships for the Women in Business Advisory Program, aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses in 2025. Applications are now open for this year’s intake, with around 40 scholarships available to women across the state, including those in regional areas.
The program, which is entering its third year, is delivered by Behind Closed Doors, an organisation focused on helping women grow their businesses through mentorship, coaching, and tailored advisory services. The scholarships provide selected participants with 12 months of support, including one-on-one business advisory sessions, coaching, and networking opportunities. This is designed to help women increase their business knowledge, implement growth strategies, and, ultimately, expand their operations.
According to the South Australian government, nearly 40 per cent of participants in the 2024 cohort saw a revenue increase of more than 10 per cent. Additionally, 25 per cent of the women involved in the program hired additional staff, contributing to job creation in the state.
Minister for Small Business, Andrea Michaels, commented on the program’s success and its role in addressing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. “Research shows that women in business face unique challenges, from accessing capital to gender inequalities. This program provides the tools, knowledge, and support needed to overcome these obstacles,” she said.
The Women in Business Advisory Program is part of a broader initiative that includes both a Foundations Program and an Advisory Program. The Foundations Program supports women at the start-up phase, while the Advisory Program is tailored for those who are already running a business and looking to scale. There is also a Connections Program that focuses on building networks and supporting established groups for women in business.
The government reports that the Women in Business Program has already supported over 2,600 women since its launch in 2022, with 76 women benefiting from the Advisory Program. The total funding for the initiative is $4 million, reflecting its importance as a resource for South Australian female entrepreneurs.
Donny Walford, Managing Director of Behind Closed Doors, highlighted the growing success of the program. “We’re thrilled to expand its scope in 2025,” Walford said. “By introducing new tailored groups and a fully funded First Nations cohort, we’re ensuring that all participants have the tools and networks to elevate their leadership and scale their businesses.”
The program’s reach is expanding to better cater to the needs of diverse women entrepreneurs. In 2025, there will be new tailored groups, including a fully funded cohort for First Nations women, to ensure equitable access to the resources and networks provided by the program.
One of the program’s success stories is Jamie Warland, founder of Gym-It, Strathalbyn’s first 24-hour gym. Warland, who participated in the 2024 Advisory Program, saw significant growth in her business. “The Women in Business program has been a game-changer for both me and my business,” Warland said. “It gave me the confidence and knowledge to make key decisions, like expanding the gym by 236 square metres. Since then, our revenue has increased by 75 per cent, and we’ve added two additional trainers to our team.”
Warland encourages other women to apply for the program, noting the value of the mentorship and community. “My advice to others is to go for it and surround yourself with people who share your ambitions. The power of community and stepping outside your comfort zone can accelerate business growth.”
The Women in Business Advisory Program’s results are proving the value of such initiatives for women entrepreneurs. By offering tailored support and fostering collaboration, the program is helping to close the gender gap in business leadership and support women who face unique challenges in the business world.
For women interested in applying, the deadline for submissions is fast approaching. To apply for a scholarship, visit the program’s official page at business.sa.gov.au/programs/women-in-business.
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